Christians in Cinema

David Hochman did an up-close and personal interview with actor Denzel Washington for the December 2007 issue of the “Reader’s Digest.” It’s a very engaging discussion, and the topics range from Washington’s personal faith to his relationship with his parents to “Godless Hollywood.”

Perhaps if we focus on the positive aspects of Washington and others of faith, we’d see more positive changes in the entertainment industry.

Washington says his faith informs everything he does and his philosophy is to be humble and use the gifts God has given him. He’s been married 24 years and has 4 children. His oldest son, John David, is part of the St. Louis Rams football club, his daughter Katia is in college, and twins Malcolm and Olivia are starting to drive.

At one point Hochman asks him about “Godless Hollywood.” His reponse is very articulate. How can Hollywood, which is a place in Los Angeles, be godless? He points out that to say Hollywood is godless is to make a broad assumption that just isn’t true. When we use language like that, we deny the existence of people of faith in Hollywood, like Washington.

Here’s an opportunity for us to celebrate a well-respected and successful man of faith in Hollywood. Maybe if we focused more on what he and others of faith are accomplishing with their lives instead of the bad examples so many set, we’d see more positive changes within the industry.